Bucks beat Hornets 127-125, Giannis scores game winning layup

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) – The Milwaukee Bucks' All-Star player Giannis Antetokounmpo scored a critical game winning layup near the end of the clash with Charlotte Hornets in the NBA for a 127-125 victory on Wednesday.

The game was 125-125 in Milwaukee's Fiserv Forum but Antetokounmpo took responsibility with two seconds left to the buzzer.

Antetokounmpo was in traffic and challenged by a Hornets player, however he scored a driving layup to give the Bucks a two-point lead.

Without any timeout, the Hornets' small forward Miles Bridges was in a hurry to take a half-court shot but it touched the rim to go out.

The Bucks clinched the 127-125 win at home, coming back from a 18-point deficit.

Greek superstar Antetokounmpo and his teammates also spoiled Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball's career night.

Ball, 20, scored 36 points against the Bucks, his best performance during his career.

He produced nine assists as well.

Antetokounmpo was the key player for the victory, scoring 40 points and taking 12 rebounds. He also made nine assists.

The Bucks earned their eighth consecutive win.

Coming third in the Eastern Conference, Milwaukee won 14 games but lost eight others in the 2021-22 NBA season.

Charlotte are in the ninth position in East standings as they have 13-11 win/loss record.

In the next game, the Bucks will visit Canada's Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on Thursday.

The Hornets will play another away game as they will face the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on Sunday.

- Wednesday's results:

Indiana Pacers - Atlanta Hawks: 111-114

Orlando Magic - Denver Nuggets: 108-103

Washington Wizards - Minnesota Timberwolves: 115-107

Boston Celtics - Philadelphia 76ers: 88-87

Miami Heat - Cleveland Cavaliers: 85-111

Milwaukee Bucks - Charlotte Hornets: 127-125

New Orleans Pelicans - Dallas Mavericks: 107-139

Oklahoma City Thunder - Houston Rockets: 110-114

Los Angeles Clippers - Sacramento Kings: 115-124